Efficient and safe internalization of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles: Two fundamental requirements for biomedical applications

• Published in: Nanomedicine Vol. 10; no. 4; pp. 733 - 743
• Main Authors: Calero, Macarena, MS, Gutiérrez, Lucía, PhD, Salas, Gorka, PhD, Luengo, Yurena, MS, Lázaro, Ana, MS, Acedo, Pilar, MS, Morales, M. Puerto, PhD, Miranda, Rodolfo, PhD, Villanueva, Angeles, PhD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.05.2014
• Subjects: Cellular uptake; Cytoskeleton; Cytoskeleton - metabolism; Cytoskeleton - ultrastructure; Cytoxicity; Ferric Compounds - chemistry; Ferric Compounds - pharmacology; HeLa cell line; HeLa Cells; Humans; Internal Medicine; Iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles; Magnetite Nanoparticles - chemistry; Magnetite Nanoparticles - ultrastructure; Reactive Oxygen Species - metabolism; HeLa cell line; Cytoskeleton; Cellular uptake; Cytoxicity; Iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles
• ISSN: 1549-9634; 1549-9642
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2013.11.010

Abstract We have performed a series of in vitro tests proposed for the reliable assessment of safety associated with nanoparticles-cell interaction. A thorough analysis of toxicity of three different coating iron oxide nanoparticles on HeLa cells has been carried out including, methyl thiazol tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and Trypan blue exclusion tests, cell morphology observation by optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), study of cytoskeletal components, analysis of cell cycle and the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We have quantified magnetic nanoparticle internalization, determined possible indirect cell damages and related it to the nanoparticle coating. The results confirm a very low toxicity of the analyzed iron oxide nanoparticles into HeLa cells by multiple assays and pave the way for a more successful cancer diagnostic and treatment without secondary effects. From the Clinical Editor In this paper, three different iron oxide nanoparticles are studied and compared from the standpoint of safety and toxicity in HeLa cells, demonstrating low toxicity for each preparation, and paving the way to potential future clinical applications.